Utilities

We have all been without electricity, gas or water in our homes.  For most of us, it was an inconvenience or irritation that disrupted our daily routines and the impact was mitigated because we knew that the lights would again shine or the water would again run from the tap just as soon as the utility company found and fixed the problem.  The impact was also lessened because it was an experience we shared with our neighbors – we were in it together.

For others in our community the loss of electricity, gas or water is much more than an inconvenience.  It’s a traumatic, stress-filled event that occurs over time.  It begins when a utility bill goes unpaid because the money that is available is needed for something else – to buy food or clothes, put gas in the car in order to get to work, or to pay the rent.  It continues as bills go unpaid for several months and the utility company sends a warning that the electricity, gas or water will be shut off unless arrangements are made to pay the overdue bill.  It culminates when the electricity, gas or water is turned off and will remain turned off until the bill is paid.  Not many households in our communities can function very well without electricity, gas or water.

Because of the impact having utilities cutoff can have on families, SPAN helps qualified families in need to pay their utility bills to prevent them from being shut off or so that they can be restored after being turned off.  Last year over $70,000 of such assistance was provided.  This assistance, which accounted for almost 70% of the financial assistance provided by SPAN, is made possible through the support of our partner churches and our generous community.



DOCUMENTATION NEEDED FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE:

• Copy of shut-off notice
• Proof of address
• Picture ID
• Social Security cards for all members of household
  

 

SPAN - 410-647-0889 - SPANhelps@yahoo.com

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